Dear Senators Obama and McCain,
September 29, 2008
Today I handed over my niece to Uncle Sam and the United States Army.
There were tears shed, some tears long after we said our goodbyes. Tears of joy, because she is fulfilling a dream of hers; a dream that began long before she came to stay with me. Tears of sadness, because I will miss her. She has been such a help to me the past few months, so much so I’m willing to (almost) overlook the moments of teenager-ness that just about drove me crazy. Actually, I am willing to overlook it. She has become a responsible young lady, and today ends one journey and begins another. Her journey. Her life.
I know the military will shape her and mold her into a responsible adult; an adult that will make good decisions and continue her education. She will come back on leave a buff and toned young lady. A stronger person. A Woman.
A Soldier.
She will make you proud. She has done that and more for her friends and her family already. She had this dream, this goal, and many helped her reach her goal. She guided us though, reminded us that she knew what she wanted, and knew just how to go about getting it. It took guts and determination, but she has arrived.
She’s ready. We’re ready. We’re a little weepy, but we are ready.
I know we are in a bit of a financial crisis right now, but I ask both of you to not forget those who are fighting overseas, fighting this war that has (I feel) helped land us in this financial crisis. Don’t forget about those brave men and women that need to come home to help their families weather this new storm brewing right here at home. Please work on our exit strategy. Please bring our troops home.
In the meantime, there’s a new Private that is going to make a damn good soldier. Wherever she may go. That’s a promise.
Thank you.
September 30th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
This is beautiful.
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September 30th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with her.
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September 30th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
What a touching letter, your niece is an amazing young woman.
Bella
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October 1st, 2008 at 12:39 am
Awe this is so lovely..and I agree lets work this out and bring our troops home. My grandson is a marine and in Iraq as I write. This is his second time. Just recently we learned how to see him on our camcorder and hear him..it’s wonderful. Hope you can do the same.
Prayers and blessings for your niece.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
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